Sydney to Brisbane: A Coastal Dream

25 hrs, 35 minsEst Driving Time

1643 kmTotal Distance

http://www.motorhomerepublic.com/itineraries/australia/sydney-to-brisbane

Overview

Taking a Sydney to Brisbane

road trip is about more than

just getting from A to B – or, S

to B, in this case. You’ll take

detours to hidden gems and

well-known gems and

discover that both types are

equally enjoyable and

memorable. You’ll taste fine

wines and cheeses, walk in

national parks, travel as far

east as Australia’s geography

will let you, befriend some of

the country’s cutest animal

life, and still have time to try out just about every glorious golden beach along the way.

This route is for explorers, lovers of the outdoors, foodies, beach bums and wildlife watchers, but

most importantly, this trip is for travellers. An Australia campervan rental is the best way to see it

all, with plenty of flexibility to stop and smell the roses - or the eucalyptus trees, in this case.

Australia is messing with our clichés. Get out on those long roads and #LetsGoMotorhome ! But

first, acquaint yourself with Aussie road rules and customs by reading our Australia driving guide

Leg 1 Sydney to Hunter Valley

06:45:00Est Driving Time

452 kmTotal Distance

here.

“Not all those who wander are

lost.”

Famous words from a famous

author, and no less true today

than they were when they

were written. Keep this in

mind as you take the longer,

more scenic route from

Sydney to Brisbane – at least

for this first leg. Taking the

coastal route will be faster,

but going the long way round

promises some of the most

iconic scenery in Australia in the Blue Mountains, as well as an historic township visit with its

alluring glow worm cave, and a popular attraction that only the locals know about.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are arguably the most iconic piece of New South Wales outside of Sydney, and

are a great reason for taking the scenic route to the Hunter Valley from Sydney. Named after the

bluish haze that descends upon the area, the mountains are a veritable playground for those who

love spectacular scenery and the great outdoors. Walk one of the countless tracks through the

mountains, visit the famous Three Sisters rock formation, learn about Aboriginal culture on a

heritage tour, jump into cool dark waters during an adventurous canyoning experience, or simply

drive through it all and soak up the beautiful scenery at every turn.

Lithgow

Lithgow is one of the small historic towns surrounding the Blue Mountains area, but don’t let that

fool you into thinking that it’s the type of place you can cruise through in an afternoon. One of the

most popular attractions here is a disused railway that used to run between Lithgow and Newnes.

These days, a massive colony of glow worms have taken up residence in this 400-metre cave just

Blue Mountains Glow worm cave Dunns Swamp

Leg 2 Hunter Valley to Port Stephens

02:20:00Est Driving Time

229 kmTotal Distance

40 kilometres out of Lithgow. Another popular stop is the ‘Zigzag Railway’, a trainline that zigzags

its way up the mountain, affording its guests impressive views in a new and novel way. Lithgow is

also where you can visit Hassan’s Wall, which is the highest lookout in the Blue Mountains, and

Capertee Valley, which is the world’s second-largest canyon.

Wollemi National Park

Continue roughly two hours northward, turning off at the Wollemi National Park. The park is part

of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and is known for its dramatic cliffs, canyons,

and rivers, and is a wonderful place for canoeing, walking, and camping. One of the main reasons to

visit this national park, however, is Dunns Swamp. It’s a favourite with locals and is ideal for an

Australian campervan holiday as it’s mainly a caravan camping site. The swamp itself at Ganguddy

is less of a swamp and more of a serene, refreshing waterway along the Cudgegong River. It’s

perfect for swimming, canoeing, birdwatching, and hiking, just be sure to bring your own water as

there is none available on site. Also, note that you can’t book a spot, so it may be best to arrive early

if you’re travelling during the busy season.

Leg 1 Highlights

It may be one of the shortest legs on your Sydney to Brisbane drive, but it’s just as full of incredible

attractions and things to do as routes that are twice as long. The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s

premier wine regions, and is a veritable magnet for wine connoisseurs from all over the world.

Nearby, Pokolbin offers more of the great offerings as the Hunter does, only with a few extra – and

tasty – complementary activities and stops.

The sand dunes at Stockton will astound you with their immense size, as well as the fact that such a

massive natural feature can be found so close to a city such as Port Stephens. And on your final

stop of this leg, you’ll get to enjoy the heart-warming sight of koalas in a natural reserve.

Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is not just a

highlight of New South Wales,

but a major attraction for

Australia. It is known for its

abundance of award-winning

wineries, with more than 140

wineries and cellar doors

where you can try and buy

some of the most delicious

vinos you’ll ever find. The dry

white Semillon variety is

particularly famous in the Hunter, followed closely by Chardonnay and Shiraz. The real question is

how much time you can spend in the Hunter to see and do as much as possible, as you can take a

guided tour of the vineyards, self-drive your way around a chosen few, or even jump on push bikes

for a fresh-air winery tour. Not to mention, the restaurants in the Hunter are plentiful, the cooking

classes are a treat for the tastebuds, and the farmers markets are a perfect way to pass several

hours.

Pokolbin

Not long after you leave the Hunter to drive towards Port Stephens, you’ll come across Pokolbin,

which is a small town that is still very much part of the Hunter Valley. While there are numerous

vineyards in the area, if you haven’t quite had enough there are also a handful of fantastic places to

visit here, too. For a start, make a stop at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company. Here you can tour

the factory, indulge in the heavenly tasting room, and purchase some fine cheeses that will

perfectly accompany that wine. The Hunter Valley Gardens are another fabulous attraction in the

area, and are not just your usual garden. Take a walk amongst the themed areas such as the

fairytale-like storybook gardens, stop to smell the roses in the rose garden, and enjoy the culture at

the oriental gardens. There are more than 60 acres of gardens to explore along 8 kilometres of

walking tracks that wind between the 10 different garden areas. Finally, be sure to stop in at

Pokolbin’s Wine Glass Gallery to complete your full wine tour of the Hunter.

Stockton Sand Dunes

Jump back in the campervan and drive another hour towards the coast until you reach the

Stockton Sand Dunes. The dunes are situated on the Worimi Conservation Lands, which cover

4,200 hectares in total and offer one of the best and most alien-like landscapes in New South

Wales. Some of the dunes are as much as 30 metres high, altogether they cover 32 kilometres,

making them the longest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. The traditional owners of the

Hunter Valley Stockton Beach Tilligerry Habitat

Leg 3 Port Stephens to Coffs Harbour

08:30:00Est Driving Time

483 kmTotal Distance

land are the Worimi people, and they have kindly opened the area to the public for recreational

activities including everything from 4WD, quadbiking and sandboarding to horse riding and fishing

and diving. Even if you don’t want to try any of the adventure activities on offer, be sure to take a

walk across this surreal landscape!

Tilligerry Habitat Reserve

Only 30 minutes up the road from the sand dunes is the Tilligerry Habitat Reserve. After mineral

extraction in the area more than 30 years ago, a committed team of staff and volunteers have

worked tirelessly to create this 9-hectare reserve that is now home to an array of Australian flora

and fauna. The most famous of the reserve’s inhabitants is easily the cuddly koala. Stop by to see

the wonderful work the team does to rebuild the natural environment in the area, and to check out

the cute little koalas in a natural habitat.

Leg 2 Highlights

As you slowly make your way

up Australia’s east coast,

you’ll quickly come to realise

just how diverse this route

can be with vast differences in

geography within just a few

hours of driving.

This leg takes you on a slight

detour along a popular tourist

drive to a famous waterfall,

then heads back to the coast

for beach hopping from the

aptly named Lighthouse Beach, to a national park and one of the country’s most exciting dive sites.

Prepare to spend most of this leg outdoors, as each stop is best experienced on foot and by sea.

Ellenborough Falls

While driving north from Port Stephens, turn off the coastal route at Taree for a small detour that

will take you to a big highlight. You’ll take Tourist Drive 8 through the Manning region for 99

kilometres, passing by some of the most gorgeous green scenery in the state. Your trip will take you

past the Red Tail Winery, the Wingham Bush and Museum, and finally, to the magnificent

Ellenborough Falls. With a drop of 200 metres, this waterfall is one of the highest in the Southern

Hemisphere. There are two walking tracks by the falls; one which winds down to the bottom of the

feature, and another that takes you to a lookout point opposite the cascade.

Lighthouse Beach

Only a little south of the famous Port Macquarie is the lesser-known, but equally fantastic,

Lighthouse Beach. It’s one of the best beaches in the area, with the surf breaks, warm golden sand,

lighthouse walk, fishing opportunities, and cafes and picnic areas to prove it. There is a caravan site

near the beach so you can easily park up for the night should you wish, and Port Macquarie’s 18-

hole championship golf course is not far away, either.

Hat Head National Park

Situated right on the coast, the Hat Head National Park is nothing short of a national treasure and

an absolute paradise for nature lovers. Comprised of beaches, wetlands, rainforests, and sand

dunes, the park is an idyllic spot where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

There are multiple walking tracks such as the easy 3-hour Connors Track, or the more difficult 3-

hour Gap Beach walking track. You can swim, fish, explore the lighthouse, or camp in the camping

grounds to spend a little more time in the area. Note that there is an $8/day fee for each vehicle

you bring into this park.

Southwest Rocks

The Southwest Rocks are quite close to the Hat Head National Park, sitting just on the other side of

the Smoky Cape Lighthouse. That said, a worthy stop is a worthy stop, and the Southwest Rocks

are certainly not lacking in reasons to pull over. You’ve got all the water-based activities that come

with a coastal location, as well as some fascinating history to be discovered at the Trial Bay Gaol

from the 1880s. The site is especially well-loved by divers - it’s considered one of the best spots in

the country to explore underwater. The Fish Rock Cave is 2 kilometres off shore, a 125-metre

passage through a small island where you’ll be surrounded by incredible aquatic life such as nurse

sharks, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of the Humpback Whales as they pass by on their

migration. You can pick up dive gear for a tour, or simply go on a whale watching tour above water,

Ellenborough Falls Lighthouse Beach South West Rocks

Leg 4 Coffs Harbour to Byron Bay

04:00:00Est Driving Time

245 kmTotal Distance

from the Rock Dive Centre.

Leg 3 Highlights

The drive from Coffs Harbour

to Byron Bay is already

something of an attraction

along this Pacific coastline as

the landscape continues to

flourish with alluring beaches

and enchanting rainforests.

This short leg of the trip will

get you started at Coffs

Harbour, where you’ll

encounter everything from

giant, famous bananas, to

gorgeous sea creatures. You’ll

drive through the quaint township of Grafton and stop to admire its architecture and history, and

you’ll spend some along the banks of the stately Clarence River.

Coffs Harbour

First off, go and visit the Big Banana. Of all the famous ‘big things’ in Australia, this is easily one of

the most renowned – as well as silliest – and makes for a funky photo to add to your motorhome

holiday album. Of course, there’s more to this dynamic town than large bananas. Diggers Beach is

arguably the most popular for a swim, but you’ve also got the choice of Jetty Beach and Emerald

Beach. With ideal waves for beginners, you can even try a surf lesson at Sawtell Beach or Surf

Coffs Harbour Grafton Clarence River

Leg 5 Byron Bay to Gold Coast

02:00:00Est Driving Time

108 kmTotal Distance

Beach. The town is also a treasure trove of parks and outdoor spaces, with the Bongil Bongil

National Park, the Coffs Coast State Park, and the Ulidarra National Park right on its doorstep. The

Dolphin Marine Magic attraction is yet another great way to encounter some of the area’s

wonderful marine life. This is the only site in the state that features these cheeky animals.

Grafton

Grafton is only a small town along the drive up the New South Wales coast, but thanks to its rich

history and numerous attractions, a stop here is always a great way to spend an afternoon. The

Grafton Heritage Trail is a good place to start your explorations, as it will take you past 25 of the

town’s historic buildings and structures, including buildings from the Victorian and Edwardian eras,

the old Grafton Gaol, and the Christ Church Cathedral. Be sure to visit the Grafton Regional Art

Gallery before you depart, as it holds the largest art collection on the state’s North Coast, and

offers a fantastic little café for a bite to eat before you hit the road again.

Clarence River

The Clarence River is the largest on the eastern seaboard, and therefore has plenty of scope to

offer limitless activities along its banks and on the water. It was, at one point, the region’s biggest

trade route, and you can still see ferries connecting small villages and townships today. Fishing is

the primary attraction for many, while others will simply enjoy a peaceful cruise up or down this

massive waterway. In some parts, the river becomes a frenzied mass of roiling water, making it a

perfect place for white water rafting, and in others, waves crash down the river, offering surfers a

fantastic spot for catching a wave without heading to the coast.

Leg 4 Highlights

The drive from Byron Bay to the Gold Coast is full of famous places, endless beaches, and unique

attractions that you can’t find anywhere else in the country. Before you even leave Byron Bay to

start the trip, you’ll be off to

visit the easternmost point in

Australia, and by the time you

arrive in Coolangatta, you still

probably won’t be able to

decide which of its world-

class beaches you want to

visit first.

The Currumbin Valley offers

a quick detour from the coast

with a collection of quirky

attractions, and the

undeniable Surfers Paradise will welcome you towards the Gold Coast with all the golden sands,

sight-seeing opportunities and entertainment options you could wish for.

*You can also start your motorhome journey from Byron Bay itself!

Byron Bay

While you’re in Byron Bay, take the time to stop and take a closer look at this lovely township. The

first thing to do is to take a stroll out to Cape Byron and its 100-year-old lighthouse. This point is

the easternmost piece of land in Australia and features plenty of scenic walking tracks to stare out

at the vast Pacific Ocean. If you can make it out here to catch a sunrise, it will be an early start that

you’ll never forget. If you’re in town on a Thursday or a Saturday, stop in at the Byron Bay farmer’s

markets for a fresh meal and to pick up some souvenirs and snacks for the road, and spend a few

hours relaxing on one of Byron Bay’s gorgeous beaches before you leave town.

Coolangatta

Beaches, beaches, and more beaches, and every one of them more relaxing than the last.

Coolangatta knows how to put on a good show when it comes to gorgeous swimming spots and

warm sands to lie on for the day. The main shore is Coolangatta Beach, but you can take your pick

from that or others such as Greenmount Beach, Snapper Rocks, and Kirra Beach. With that beachy

lifestyle comes the laid-back atmosphere on land, complete with a fantastic café and restaurant

scene, monthly markets, boutique shops, and plenty of water-based activities such as surfing,

kitesurfing, and windsurfing.

Currumbin Valley

Take a quick break from the coastline and head inland to the Currumbin Valley, only 30 minutes

Byron Bay Currumbin Valley Surfers Paradise

Leg 6 Gold Coast to Brisbane

02:00:00Est Driving Time

117 kmTotal Distance

from Coolangatta. There’s a little bit of everything to see and do in this area, so you may end up

staying longer than you think. The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular spot as are the

numerous arts, crafts, and pottery galleries dotted around Currumbin, and even the Superbee

Honeyworld where you can watch bees as they work in their hives and taste their delicious honey.

The Rock Pools are a great place to cool off on a hot day, and the 457-metre high Tomewin

Mountain gives a fantastic view of the valley itself as well as across to the Cougal and Springbrook

Mountains, which are both World-Heritage Listed.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is known throughout Australia and across the globe as a mecca for those who

worship the sun, the sand, and the surf. Yet, as much as this spot is a paradise for surfers, it’s also a

paradise for a stack of other reasons, too. Be wined, dined, and entertained at a Dracula’s dinner

show, get the best views in the city at Australia’s highest external building climb on the 270-metre

tall SkyPoint Climb, or pose with your favourite celebrities at the Wax Museum. Pick up a bargain

at the beachfront markets in between your sunbathing sessions, or take a cruise on the water like

no other with the AquaDuck land-to-sea tour boat. Or of course, simply spend your time here

soaking up the rays on one of the most beautiful shorelines in the country.

Leg 5 Highlights

The sixth and final leg of this Sydney to Brisbane self-drive holiday is a short one in kilometres, but

with countless fun and adventurous things to do along the way. There are certainly a number of

experiences to tick off before leaving Brisbane, and you can’t turn down the chance for one more

detour up to the serene Tamborine Mountain.

When you arrive in Brisbane at last, plan to spend at least a couple of days in the city enjoying all

the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences this major Australian city has to offer.

*You can also pick up your

campervan from the Gold

Coast or Brisbane if you're

planning on doing the trip in

reverse or heading further

north. Also, you may check

out campers Airlie Beach deals

as another option in uncovering

Queensland region.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is easily one

of Australia’s top locations for everything from fine dining to adrenalin-pumping theme parks,

which is why it can claim more than 10.5 million visitors to the city every year. Before heading out

of town, take a day or two to see as much as you can, and do as much as you can fit in. Movie World,

Dreamworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, WhiteWater World, and Sea World are all top attractions, with each

one offering different rides and entertainment. If all of that sounds like a bit too much excitement,

take a relaxing afternoon off to spend at Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, or Greenmount Beach. This

city is also a hive for big events, concerts and festivals that fill the calendar throughout the year, so

check to see if any acts you’d like to see are in town during your visit.

Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain is a place of exquisite natural beauty, yet one that sits just off the main route

between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, making it an easy and absolutely worthwhile final detour on

your east coast Australia road trip. More than just your average mountain area, this place includes

no fewer than 7 wineries (as well as a brewery and distillery), art galleries, markets, and tours.

Upon the mountain itself, you can explore the Rainforest Skywalk up amongst the treetops for the

best views of the lush bushland, and you can even discover a massive glow worm cave full of

stalagmites, stalactites, water features, and thousands of luminous little worms. Of course, the

mountain is crisscrossed with walking tracks for people of all fitness levels to see waterfalls,

wildlife, and native flora in abundance.

Brisbane

It’s only fitting that the very final stop on your Australian campervan adventure is one that leaves

you in one of the country’s most vibrant cities. Brisbane is the place to be for nightlife, relaxed life,

the foodie life, and the adventurous life. The South Bank is awash with cultural institutions such as

the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, the Sciencentre, and the Queensland Museum. It’s the

home of the Gabba – the Brisbane cricket ground, the Alma Park Zoo, the Story Bridge, and the

Gold Coast Tamborine Mountain Brisbane

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It’s known as the River City, so is one of the coolest places to explore by

kayak, or even just watch from the deck of a river cruise. As for fine dining, simply wander the

bright lights of Eagle Street Pier and pick a place from amongst the countless world-class

restaurants and eateries. Safe to say, you’ll want to leave yourself at least a day or two in Brisbane

before you head home, wherever that may be.

Leg 6 Highlights